Trader Flowers

As I've been thinking through our new "one-income" budget, there are some things I need to keep around.

Flowers from Trader Joe's are my new favorite treat. They're long-lasting, are well priced and always have lots of pretty options.

This week, these sunflowers were 4. and the pretty potted roses were 6. They've made me happy since I got them.

Here's to flowers on a budget. Thanks Trader Joe's.

Super Hero

Nope, not posed. Yes, he is just that cute.

Just a reminder that these Superhero capes are available in the shop. Also available for girls in teal with a pink print princess crown applique & straps.

Free Shipping for the month of May!

Grow

When I planted the seeds, I set the bar pretty low. If one or two packets grew, I would be psyched. But a small miracle happened, and they are all growing! I think I might be a gardener? I'm even enjoying the weeding. That sounds so late 30's.

Tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, peppers, carrots, cucumbers & peas.

In one tiny patch of soil that gets just enough sun.

I'm feeling a salad coming on.

Mother's Day

This was a great mother's day, from the morning veggie scramble and Starbucks in bed, to my evening Iron Man date with John.

But the best part were the gifts from Lincoln.

The greatest poem in which he describes me as tall, having nice hair and as a runner. (i hate running, and my thighs thank me daily)

Followed by the creation of this Lego masterpiece. Yes, it's Starbucks, and no, that's not somehow wrong.

Notice the amazing detail...tables, pastry case, register and barista machine. It's not like he's been in there a few times or anything.

"Welcome to Starbucks. Venti-iced-quad-espresso-with two pumps white mocha?"
What 7-year-old knows how to make an espresso machine out of Legos? Amazing.

We're submitting these photos to Lego just in case they need "mom" themed lego set ideas. I'm sure you'll see this one on the Target shelves next Christmas.

Big Change

June 2nd, 2010 will be my official first day as a stay at home mom.

As in, no paycheck, email addiction, phone-induced neck cramps, or travel. After 15 years in Young Life, I've decided it's time for me to be done. I'm so incredibly grateful for my time in YL, and yet I'm very excited about this next stage of life.

Trying not to plan to far ahead, but a few things I'm looking forward to. (I'd appreciate all current stay at home moms to temporarily allow me these fantasies)

Phone-free walks to Starbucks and the park with Bear.

Yoga and a six-pack. (ok, just yoga would be awesome)

Kinda clean closets.

Guilt-free sewing sessions, with wine. (only after 5pm, of course)

Cooking things that don't come in a Trader Joe's freezer package.

Long "walker"-walks with Benners, complete with "just one more step" cookies

Blogging for sanity. (and to feel like my stay at home life is oh, so glamorous)

Now, what to wear around the house?

Comfort Food

This years' "group" Christmas gift for family and friends was The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook. It's been a busy spring and I didn't get to crack it open until the dinner party last weekend. Best lasagna ever, hands down.

My 7-year-old has developed some food aversions as of late. I thought I'd let him leaf through the cookbook this morning on the way to school and choose dinner.

Comfort Meatballs and Creamy Rosemary Potatoes.

Um. Wow. I'll say it again. Wow.

I have no idea how she stays thin while cooking like this, but these were incredible. (John's Meatball Review: "Delicious. Best meatballs of all time." Serious.)

You can find the recipes here and here.

Friday Night

On a day like today, it's time to hit the streets. Stroller. Check. Newsie hat. Check. Incredibly slow walk around the neighborhood looking at every leaf, in every hole and stopping to talk with every person. Check.

The perfect start to the weekend. Check.

The Giant Peach Party

Sunday night was the Giant Peach's party inauguration.

End-of-the-year dinner for 35 College Young Life leaders. It was a great night and the Giant Peach's yard got a little make-over before the big debut. New river rock and square paver patio (via John). Vines, plants and bark. So exciting.

Menu: Flatbread with Pine-nut Hummus, Wedge Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing, Sausage & Basil Lasagna, Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Gratin Sauce, & Honey Orange Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries. Yum.

Bring it on Martha.

Miniature Master Bedroom

One of the Giant Peach's downsides is the teeny, tiny master bedroom. It's actually not the master, but the boys are sharing that room, so this is it.

Upsides are the beautiful, big windows, L-shaped window seat, and wood floors. Challenges are the size of the room and the microscopic closet.

I've been assessing the situation since we moved in and I've got a plan.

1. John has agreed to join me in building the upholstered bed, similar to the one above. He'll cut and assemble, I'll upholster in grey linen fabric. Sticking with the white hotel-style bedding we have.

2. I've been waiting for this dresser to go on sale at IKEA. It's a pretty charcoal grey with white handles. Perfect. And will really help with the distribution of the clothes that don't fit into the tiny closet.

3. I'm having our local thrift gold mine, Pat's, assemble a vintage pedestal table for me. I pick out the top and pedestal. They build and paint the color of my choice. For cheap! This will be in front of the window seat for a seating space.

4. Sheer window treatments to soften the windows.

4. Decorate with throw pillows, window seat cushions, valances and picture frames done in these fabrics.

I'll post when it's finished! Wish me luck...

Home Design via Houston

Last week I was in Houston meeting with my YoungLives team and we were graciously invited to work at this beautiful home.

I fell in love with the blend of casual and elegant elements. The color scheme had just the right mix of calm (shades of grey and light blue), light (white trim & cabinetry) and modern (red accents & espresso wood pieces).

I had trouble concentrating on work because I was taking mental notes the whole time! Texas, you continue to suprise me.

Life

(newly engaged in Baltimore, 1997)

Some of our favorite people, Jenny and Sean, came to visit this weekend. They are 20 weeks pregnant with their first baby. As we caught up on life I couldn't help but think about the first few years with John (see baby faces above!) and the first months after Lincoln was born. Such sweet times. I'm so grateful for every stage...even the current state of chaos with three little boys.What a gift to have love in my life.

Natural Egg Dyes

I'm thinking about putting away my 1.49 Target egg dying kit, and bringing out the natural dyes in my kitchen.

Martha says I can can use red cabbage, onion skins, tumeric, beets and coffee to turn my brown eggs into these gorgeous colors. Organic Martha. Love it.

Easter Table

I love these creative centerpiece ideas for the Easter table. If you've got some extra time after dying eggs and filling Easter baskets you can find directions for making them here.

New Shop for My Three Sons Designs

I've set up shop at Big Cartel.com. I think you'll like it. Easy to update with new items. Easy to browse and buy. Check it out here. Bookmark it. Tell your friends. Come back often.

Pink Dot Travel Silky

$18.00

Modern Flag Banner

$28.00

Vespa Onesie

$16.00

Mini Monogrammed Tote Bag

$22.00

Geometric Bib

$11.00

Mustard Flower Burp Cloth

$9.00

Pink Paisley Silky Blanket

$38.00

Modern Stripe Pillow Covers - Set of 2

Missing the Boat

My procrastination didn't pay off this spring break. Our names never moved up on the Carnival Cruise wait list, so we listened from our kitchen to the ship's horn as it departed.

Time for plan B. Stay-cation.

A one-night stay at the Hyatt Mission Bay. Started the day with fish tacos at World Famous in Pacific Beach, followed by check-in, four hours of pool and water slides, dinner at Red Marlin (with an awesome Harrison no-nap meltdown), smores at the firepit, and in-room movie for the kids. We all slept in, had breakfast and more pool time before check-out.

Lincoln chose a day at Legoland for good grades and school behavior. While not my favorite theme park (how many things can you make from Legos? Really?), we had some good moments. Harrison was quite taken with the princess, Lincoln and John liked all of the "do it yourself" rides, and Ben wanted to go home with Bob the Builder. (kinda creepy)

All in all, not a bad week after missing the boat.